Construction of 1,3,4-oxadiazolines bearing CF3-quaternary centers via amino-assisted [3 + 2] cycloadditions

Abstract

An amino-assisted [3 + 2] cycloaddition strategy of nitrile imines with o-aminotrifluoroacetophenones has been explored, thus providing functionalized 1,3,4-oxadiazolines bearing CF₃-quaternary centers in good to excellent yields in the presence of K₂CO₃ under mild conditions. The amino groups located at the ortho-position of trifluoroacetophenone might play a crucial role in the present cyclization. The MTT assay shows that the 1,3,4-oxadiazoline derivatives could be potential candidates for the treatment of head and neck cancers.